Guidelines for Reproof

1An ancient man rebuke not, but entreat him as a father: young men, as brethren: 2Old women, as mothers: young women, as sisters, in all chastity.

Honoring Widows

(Ruth 1:1-5)

3Honour widows that are widows indeed. 4But if any widow have children or grandchildren, let her learn first to govern her own house and to make a return of duty to her parents; for this is acceptable before God. 5But she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, let her trust in God and continue in supplications and prayers night and day. 6For she that liveth in pleasures is dead while she is living. 7And this give in charge, that they may be blameless. 8But if any man have not care of his own and especially of those of his house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.

9Let a widow be chosen of no less than threescore years of age, who hath been the wife of one husband. 10Having testimony for her good works, if she have brought up children, if she have received to harbour, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have ministered to them that suffer tribulation, if she have diligently followed every good work. 11But the younger widows avoid. For when they have grown wanton in Christ, they will marry: 12Having damnation, because they have made void their first faith. 13And withal being idle they learn to go about from house to house: and are not only idle, but tattlers also and busy bodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14I will, therefore, that the younger should marry, bear children, be mistresses of families, give no occasion to the adversary to speak evil. 15For some are already turned aside after Satan. 16If any of the faithful have widows, let him minister to them, and let not the church be charged: that there may be sufficient for them that are widows indeed.

Honoring Elders

17Let the priests that rule well be esteemed worthy of double honour: especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18For the scripture saith: Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn: and, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 19Against a priest receive not an accusation, but under two or three witnesses. 20Them that sin reprove before all that the rest also may have fear.

A Charge to Timothy

21I charge thee, before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by declining to either side. 22Impose not hands lightly upon any man, neither be partaker of other men's sins. Keep thyself chaste.

23Do not still drink water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thy frequent infirmities.

24Some men's sins are manifest, going before to judgment: and some men they follow after. 25In like manner also good deeds are manifest: and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.